Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency for 41 counties in Florida as a storm system in the Gulf of Mexico is predicted to intensify into a powerful hurricane, potentially reaching Category 2 strength. The storm, expected to be named Helene, is on track to hit northern Florida this week, bringing life-threatening storm surge, damaging winds, and widespread power outages.
Meteorologists are closely monitoring the storm’s development, with concerns that it could strengthen further into a major hurricane. While the most likely path shows landfall in the Big Bend region or the Panhandle, experts warn that impacts will be felt far beyond the storm’s center, particularly to the east.
Read: Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine Under Investigation: Florida Preps For Hurricane
“It’s going to be a hurricane, at least a Cat 1 (Category 1), possibly a Cat 2. Will it be stronger than that? That remains to be seen,” said Felecia Bowser, meteorologist in charge of the National Weather Service Tallahassee. “Those types of clarifications are going to be coming in the next day or two, where we can see if we are going to be faced with a major hurricane.”
AccuWeather’s tracking map suggests the storm could rapidly intensify to a Category 4 hurricane before making landfall as a Category 3. The combination of warm ocean waters and low wind shear is expected to fuel this rapid strengthening.
The area where the storm makes landfall could see significant rainfall, with estimates of 8 to 12 inches. This comes after North Florida was hit by Hurricanes Idalia and Debby last year and last month, respectively.
In response to the threat, Governor DeSantis has activated the Florida National Guard and Florida State Guard, and placed the Division of Emergency Management Executive Director Kevin Guthrie in charge of the state’s response efforts. The city of Tallahassee has also opened sandbag distribution sites, warning of potential impacts as early as Thursday morning.
Read: Florida Fish And Wildlife Urges Boaters To Prepare For Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine
The storm is expected to make a gradual northwestern turn as it passes through the Yucatan Channel and into the Gulf of Mexico, where conditions are favorable for further strengthening. Residents in the affected areas are urged to stay updated on the latest forecasts and take necessary precautions.
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